ECG Changes Post-pericardiocentesis for Cardiac Tamponade Secondary to Non-small Cell Carcinoma of the Lung.

Electrical alternans on electrocardiograph (ECG) is an uncommon but nearly pathognomonic sign of cardiac tamponade. Here, we present a male quadragenarian who came to the emergency department complaining of low back and right upper abdominal pain. Work-up revealed a large pericardial effusion associated with electrical alternans on ECG and clinical findings of cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis drained approximately 1 liter of hemorrhagic fluid with resolution of cardiac tamponade and normalization of the ECG. Further evaluation with right hilar lymph node biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of poorly differentiated non-small cell adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Differentiated service delivery framework for people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV co-infection.

INTRODUCTION: For people living with HIV/AIDS, care is commonly delivered through Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD). Although people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and HIV/AIDS experience severe treatment associated challenges, there is no DSD model to support their treatment. In this study, we defined patterns of medication adherence and characterized longitudinal barriers to inform development of an MDR-TB/HIV DSD framework. METHODS: Adults with MDR-TB and HIV initiating bedaquiline (BDQ) and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were enrolled and followed through the end of MDR-TB treatment. Electronic dose monitoring devices (EDM) measured BDQ and ART adherence. Longitudinal focus groups were conducted and transcripts analyzed thematically to describe discrete treatment stage-specific and cross-cutting treatment challenges. RESULTS: 283 participants were enrolled and followed through treatment completion (median 17.8 months [IQR 16.5-20.2]). Thirteen focus groups were conducted. Most participants (82.7%, 234/283) maintained high adherence (mean BDQ adherence 95.3%; mean ART adherence 85.5%), but an adherence-challenged subpopulation with <85% cumulative adherence (17.3%, 49/283) had significant declines in mean weekly BDQ adherence from 94.9% to 39.9% (p<0.0001) and mean weekly ART adherence from 83.9% to 26.6% (p<0.0001) over 6 months. Psychosocial, behavioral, and structural obstacles identified in qualitative data were associated with adherence deficits in discrete treatment stages, and identified potential stage specific interventions. CONCLUSION: A DSD framework for MDR-TB/HIV should intensify support for adherence-challenged subpopulations, provide multi-modal support for adherence across the treatment course and account for psychosocial, behavioral, and structural challenges linked to discrete treatment stages.

Adaptive evaluation of mHealth and conventional adherence support interventions to optimize outcomes with new treatment regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV in South Africa (ADAP-TIV): study protocol for an adaptive randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Highly effective, short-course, bedaquiline-containing treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-containing fixed dose combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) have radically transformed treatment for MDR-TB and HIV. However, without advances in adherence support, we may not realize the full potential of these therapeutics. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effect of adherence support interventions on clinical and biological endpoints using an adaptive randomized platform. METHODS: This is a prospective, adaptive, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of four adherence support strategies on a composite clinical outcome in adults with MDR-TB and HIV initiating bedaquiline-containing MDR-TB treatment regimens and receiving ART in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Trial arms include (1) enhanced standard of care, (2) psychosocial support, (3) mHealth using cellular-enabled electronic dose monitoring, and (4) combined mHealth and psychosocial support. The level of support will be titrated using a differentiated service delivery (DSD)-informed assessment of treatment support needs. The composite primary outcome will include survival, negative TB culture, retention in care, and undetectable HIV viral load at month 12. Secondary outcomes will include individual components of the primary outcome and quantitative evaluation of adherence on TB and HIV treatment outcomes. DISCUSSION: This trial will evaluate the contribution of different modes of adherence support on MDR-TB and HIV outcomes with WHO-recommended all-oral MDR-TB regimens and ART in a high-burden operational setting. We will also assess the utility of a DSD framework to pragmatically adjust levels of MDR-TB and HIV treatment support. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05633056. Registered on 1 December 2022.

Atypical Dermal Findings in a Patient Following a Lightning Strike Injury.

Lightning is a common atmospheric occurrence. However, lightning strikes are not a frequent environmental cause of human injury. Survivors may present with Lichtenberg figures, a fern-like skin manifestation, and burns of varying severity. After a lightning strike, our patient demonstrated atypical cutaneous manifestations of large, ecchymotic discolorations on the medial upper extremities. After a comprehensive evaluation, the patient fully recovered and was discharged home without limitations. This case highlights lightning strike injury, including common findings, epidemiology, mechanisms, and prevention.

EV-miRNA-Mediated Intercellular Communication in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment.

Cancer research has prioritized the study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a crucial area of investigation. Understanding the communication between tumor cells and the various cell types within the TME has become a focal point. Bidirectional communication processes between these cells support cellular transformation, as well as the survival, invasion, and metastatic dissemination of tumor cells. Extracellular vesicles are lipid bilayer structures secreted by cells that emerge as important mediators of this cell-to-cell communication. EVs transfer their molecular cargo, including proteins and nucleic acids, and particularly microRNAs, which play critical roles in intercellular communication. Tumor-derived EVs, for example, can promote angiogenesis and enhance endothelial permeability by delivering specific miRNAs. Moreover, adipocytes, a significant component of the breast stroma, exhibit high EV secretory activity, which can then modulate metabolic processes, promoting the growth, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells. Comprehensive studies investigating the involvement of EVs and their miRNA cargo in the TME, as well as their underlying mechanisms driving tumoral capacities, are necessary for a deeper understanding of these complex interactions. Such knowledge holds promise for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

Acceptability and feasibility of digital adherence technologies for drug-susceptible tuberculosis treatment supervision: A meta-analysis of implementation feedback.

Digital adherence technologies (DATs) have emerged as an alternative to directly observed therapy (DOT) for supervisions of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. We conducted a meta-analysis of implementation feedback obtained from people with TB and health care workers (HCWs) involved in TB REACH Wave 6-funded DAT evaluation projects. Projects administered standardized post-implementation surveys based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model to people with TB and their health care workers. The surveys included questions on demographics and technology use, Likert scale questions to assess capability, opportunity, and motivation to use DAT and open-ended feedback. We summarized demographic and technology use data descriptively, generated pooled estimates of responses to Likert scale questions within each COM-B category for people with TB and health care workers using random effects models, and performed qualitative analysis of open-ended feedback using a modified framework analysis approach. The analysis included surveys administered to 1290 people with TB and 90 HCWs across 6 TB REACH-funded projects. People with TB and HCWs had an overall positive impression of DATs with pooled estimates between 4·0 to 4·8 out of 5 across COM-B categories. However, 44% of people with TB reported taking TB medications without reporting dosing via DATs and 23% reported missing a dose of medication. Common reasons included problems with electricity, network coverage, and technical issues with the DAT platform. DATs were overall perceived to reduce visits to clinics, decrease cost, increase social support, and decrease workload of HCWs. DATs were acceptable in a wide variety of settings. However, there were challenges related to the feasibility of using current DAT platforms. Implementation efforts should concentrate on ensuring access, anticipating, and addressing technical challenges, and minimizing additional cost to people with TB.

The Helicobacter pylori single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs associated with multiple therapy resistance in Colombia.

The eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) using multiple therapies is used as a prevention strategy. However, its efficacy has been compromised by the emergence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with H. pylori's resistance to multiple antibiotics. To estimate antibiotic resistance rates associated with mutations in H. pylori genes in the high-cancer-risk population in Colombia, we included 166 H. pylori whole genome sequences from a cohort of individuals with a high risk of gastric cancer. By using the reference strain ATCC 26695, we identified mutations in specific genes to evaluate resistance rates for different antibiotics: 23S rRNA for clarithromycin, 16S rRNA for tetracycline, pbp1A for amoxicillin, gyrA for levofloxacin, and rdxA for metronidazole. The phylogenomic analysis was conducted using the core genome consisting of 1,594 genes of H. pylori-ATCC 26695. Our findings revealed that the resistance rate of H. pylori to clarithromycin was 3.62%, primarily associated with mutations A2143G and A2142G in the 23S rRNA gene. For tetracycline, the resistance rate was 7.23%, with mutations A926G, A926T, and A928C observed in the 16S rRNA gene. Amoxicillin resistance was found in 25.9% of cases, with observed mutations in the pbp1A gene, including T556S, T593, R649K, R656P, and R656H. In the gyrA gene, mutations N87K, N87I, D91G, D91N, and D91Y were identified, resulting in a resistance rate of 12.04% to levofloxacin. The most common mutations in the rdxA gene associated with metronidazole resistance were a stop codon, and mutations at D59N and D59S, resulting in a resistance rate of 99.3%. The high resistance rate of H. pylori to metronidazole indicated that this drug should be excluded from the eradication therapy. However, the resistance rates for tetracycline and clarithromycin did not exceed the established resistance threshold in Colombia. The increased resistance rate of H. pylori to levofloxacin and amoxicillin may partially explain the observed therapeutic failures in Colombia. The phylogenomic tree showed that the H. pylori isolate belongs to its own lineage (hspColombia). These findings offer valuable insights to enhance the characterization of treatment protocols for the specific H. pylori lineage (hspColombia) at the local level.

Adaptive evaluation of mHealth and conventional adherence support interventions to optimize outcomes with new treatment regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis and HIV in South Africa (ADAP-TIV): Study protocol for an adaptive randomized controlled trial.

Background: Highly effective, short course, bedaquiline-containing treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-containing fixed dose combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) have radically transformed treatment for MDR-TB and HIV. However, without advances in adherence support, we may not realize the full potential of these therapeutics. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effect of adherence support interventions on clinical and biological endpoints using an adaptive randomized platform. Methods: This is a prospective, adaptive, randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of four adherence support strategies on a composite clinical outcome in adults with MDR-TB and HIV initiating bedaquiline-containing MDR-TB treatment regimens and receiving ART in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Trial arms include 1) enhanced standard of care; 2) psychosocial support; 3) mHealth using cellular- enabled electronic dose monitoring; 4) combined mHealth and psychosocial support. The level of support will be titrated using a differentiated service delivery (DSD)-informed assessment of treatment support needs. The composite primary outcome will be include survival, negative TB culture, retention in care and undetectable HIV viral load at month 12. Secondary outcomes will include individual components of the primary outcome and quantitative evaluation of adherence on TB and HIV treatment outcomes. Discussion: This trial will evaluate the contribution of different modes of adherence support on MDR-TB and HIV outcomes with WHO recommended all-oral MDR-TB regimens and ART in a high-burden operational setting. We will also assess the utility of a DSD framework to pragmatically adjust levels of MDR-TB and HIV treatment support.

Implementation, feasibility, and acceptability of 99DOTS-based supervision of treatment for drug-susceptible TB in Uganda.

99DOTS is a low-cost digital adherence technology that allows people with tuberculosis (TB) to self-report treatment adherence. There are limited data on its implementation, feasibility, and acceptability from sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a longitudinal analysis and cross-sectional surveys nested within a stepped-wedge randomized trial at 18 health facilities in Uganda between December 2018 and January 2020. The longitudinal analysis assessed implementation of key components of a 99DOTS-based intervention, including self-reporting of TB medication adherence via toll-free phone calls, automated text message reminders and support actions by health workers monitoring adherence data. Cross-sectional surveys administered to a subset of people with TB and health workers assessed 99DOTS feasibility and acceptability. Composite scores for capability, opportunity, and motivation to use 99DOTS were estimated as mean Likert scale responses. Among 462 people with pulmonary TB enrolled on 99DOTS, median adherence was 58.4% (inter-quartile range [IQR] 38.7-75.6) as confirmed by self-reporting dosing via phone calls and 99.4% (IQR 96.4-100) when also including doses confirmed by health workers. Phone call-confirmed adherence declined over the treatment period and was lower among people with HIV (median 50.6% vs. 63.7%, p<0.001). People with TB received SMS dosing reminders on 90.5% of treatment days. Health worker support actions were documented for 261/409 (63.8%) people with TB who missed >3 consecutive doses. Surveys were completed by 83 people with TB and 22 health workers. Composite scores for capability, opportunity, and motivation were high; among people with TB, composite scores did not differ by gender or HIV status. Barriers to using 99DOTS included technical issues (phone access, charging, and network connection) and concerns regarding disclosure. 99DOTS was feasible to implement and highly acceptable to people with TB and their health workers. National TB Programs should offer 99DOTS as an option for TB treatment supervision.

Helicobacter pylori: Microorganismo patógeno o mutualista en poblaciones colombianas / Helicobacter pylori: Pathogenic or mutualistic microorganism in Colombian populations / Helicobacter pylori: microrganismo patógeno ou mutualista em populações Colombianas

Introducción: El riesgo de desarrollar cáncer gástrico varía entre continentes, países y regiones. A pesar de que existe una alta prevalencia de Helicobacter pylori su rol como patógeno o mutualista define el riesgo de cáncer gástrico en las regiones de Colombia. Objetivo: Discutir el rol de Helicobacter pylori en el riesgo de cáncer gástrico en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Revisión de literatura mediante la búsqueda, en las bases de datos LILACS, SciELO, PubMed. Resultados: La coevolución del humano y de Helicobacter pylori; la virulencia de genes cagA, vacA; el tipo de respuesta inmune inflamatoria a Helicobacter pylori (Th1) o antinflamatoria (Th2) y la susceptibilidad humana a cáncer gástrico (IL1β, IL10), junto a la dieta y factores ambientales explican el papel de Helicobacter pylori como patógeno o mutualista asociado al riesgo de cáncer gástrico en Colombia. Conclusiones: Helicobacter pylori tiene un rol mutualista principalmente en poblaciones de bajo riesgo de cáncer gástrico (costas), no obstante, en poblaciones con alto riesgo de cáncer gástrico (andes), su papel como patógeno amerita la erradicación; única estrategia para mitigar la alta incidencia de este cáncer en Colombia.

Introduction: The risk to develop gastric cancer varies between continents, countries and regions. Although there is a high prevalence of Helicobater pylori, its role as either pathogen or mutualistic bacteria defines the risk of gastric cancer in Colombian regions. Objective: To discuss the role of Helicobacter pylori in the risk of gastric cancer in Colombia. Materials and methods: A literature review based on searching LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Results: Helicobacter pylori role as either a pathogen or mutualistic microorganism associated with gastric cancer risk in Colombia can be explained by analyzing elements such as: human and Helicobacter pylori coevolution; cagA and vacA gene virulence; inflammatory (Th1) or anti-inflammatory (Th2) responses induced by Helicobacter pylori; human susceptibility to gastric cancer (IL1β, IL10); diet; and environmental factors. Conclusions: Even though Helicobacter pylori has a mutualistic role in populations at low gastric cancer risk (coastal regions), its role as a pathogen in populations at higher risk (Andean regions) justifies its eradication as a key strategy to mitigate the incidence of this cancer in Colombia.

Introdução: O risco de desenvolver câncer gástrico varia entre continentes, países e regiões. Embora haja uma alta prevalência de Helicobacter pylori, seu papel como patógeno ou mutualista define o risco de câncer gástrico nas regiões da Colômbia. Objetivo: Discutir o papel do Helicobacter pylori no risco de câncer gástrico na Colômbia. Materiais e métodos: Revisão da literatura por meio da busca, nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO e PubMed. Resultados: A coevolução de humanos e Helicobacter pylori; a virulência dos genes cagA, vacA; o tipo de resposta imune inflamatória ao Helicobacter pylori (Th1) ou anti-inflamatório (Th2) e a suscetibilidade humana ao câncer gástrico (IL1β, IL10), juntamente com a dieta e fatores ambientais explicam o papel do Helicobacter pylori como patógeno ou mutualista associado ao risco de câncer gástrico na Colômbia. Conclusões: Helicobacter pylori tem um papel mutualista principalmente em populações de baixo risco de câncer gástrico (litoral), porém, em populações com alto risco de câncer gástrico (andes), seu papel como patógeno justifica a erradicação; única estratégia para mitigar a alta incidência deste câncer na Colômbia.

Axonal Polyneuropathy in a Man Treated for Pulmonary Cocci: A Case of Acute Intermittent Porphyria.

BACKGROUND Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is part of a group of acute porphyria disorders usually found in females of reproductive age. Although clinically there is low penetrance, with 90% of genetically diagnosed individuals never experiencing an acute flair, consequences of acute flairs may lead to devastating results. Debilitating paresis, seizures, respiratory failure, and even death may result from AIP. Early detection is key in preventing these devastating manifestations. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old Hispanic man with a past medical history of pulmonary Coccidioides on fluconazole presented with bilateral thigh pain for 2 days. At baseline, the patient had no limitations, but now was limited to minimal walking due to his thigh pain subsequently progressing to diffuse weakness after the administration of IV Solumedrol. Over the next few months, EMG was notable for acute-on-chronic sensorimotor axonal denervation in upper and lower extremities, without evidence of myositis. Urine porphobilinogen was 58 mmol/L, which is 29 times the upper limit of normal. Treatment was started with hemin 4 mg/kg/day for 4 days. CONCLUSIONS Over our patient's clinical course, he was affected by a severe manifestation of repeated acute porphyria attacks, which started as anterior thigh pain and progressed to diffused weakness disproportionally affecting the muscles of the upper extremities. Although the patient was in his late 60's at the initial onset of AIP, his diffuse Coccidioides infection, use of azoles, and steroids likely contributed to his first AIP attack.

Current Challenges of Plastic Surgical Care in Sub-Saharan Africa (Maputo, Mozambique).

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on plastic surgery practices in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to characterize the spectrum of disease and operative procedures at a teaching hospital in Maputo, Mozambique to help understand the challenges of providing care for the local providers and to provide contextual relevance for training through partnerships. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was utilized to perform an ongoing needs assessment. A retrospective review was performed of plastic surgery operative records, ward admissions records, and death records in a tertiary-care hospital in Maputo, Mozambique for the period January 2015 to December 2015. RESULTS: Limited resources (equipment, block-time, personnel, and perioperative services) were observed. The most common diagnoses for the 455 patients evaluated were burns (44%) and neoplasms (17%). Congenital abnormalities accounted for only 1% of the patient diagnoses. Of the 408 procedures performed, the majority were skin grafts (43%) and skin excisions (31%). Sepsis from burns accounted for 70% of documented deaths (14/20). The mean number of days to skin grafting for inpatients was 53 days. CONCLUSION: We observed a large burden of burns and skin graft procedures at a public referral teaching hospital in Mozambique. Our findings provide contextual relevance to help focus public health efforts and improve plastic surgery training and practices.

Dexmedetomidina en la fibroscopia de sueño bajo sedación en pacientes con trastornos respiratorios del dormir (Descripción de una técnica de topodiagnóstico) / Dexmedetomidine in the fibroscopy sleep under sedation in patients with sleep disordered breathing (description of a technique topodiagnostico)

Objetivo: Valorar si el uso de la dexmedetomidina es apropiado para realizar nasoendoscopias del sueño bajo sedación. Estudio: Observacional, descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo. Material y métodos: Pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de apnea del sueño por estudio poligráfico cardiorrespiratorio. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una endoscopia del sueño bajo sedación. Resultados: Un total de diez pacientes (seis masculinos y cuatro femeninos) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, y su promedio de edad era de 44,9. El 60% presentaron una circunferencia de cuello mayor de 39 centímetros. Un IMC promedio de 32,55 kg/m2. Escala de Epworth máxima de 16 y mínima de tres puntos. IAH máximo de 45 y mínimo de dos por hora. Conclusión: Con el uso de dexmedetomidina se logran periodos del sueño más parecidos al fisiológico. Se pudo realizar el estudio por más de 50 minutos, sin el riesgo de depresión respiratoria habitual que se presenta con los medicamentos sedantes convencionales …

Objective: To evaluate if the use of dexmedetomidine is appropriate for DISE. Study design: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study. Subjects and Methods: Patients with diagnosis of sleep apnea undergoing polysomnography study. All subjects underwent a DISE with dexmedetomidine. Results: A total of 10 patients met inclusion criteria. 6 males and 4 females, with a mean age 44.9. 60% file a neck circumference greater than 15 inches. A mean IBM of 32.55 kg/m2. Epworth scale maxima and minima of 16 and 3 points. AIH maxima of 45 and minima of 2 per hour. Conclusion: With the use of dexmedetomidine sleep periods were obtained more similar to the physiological. May conduct the study for more than 50 minutes without risk of respiratory depression usual with conventional drugs sedation…

Rendimiento auditivo en pacientes menores de 2 años comparado con pacientes entre 2 y 5 años con implante coclear / Auditory performance in patients younger than 2 years old and patients between two and five years old who were intervened with cochlear implant

Objetivos: Conocer y comparar la evolución del rendimiento auditivo de los pacientes menores de 2 años (prelinguales) y entre 2 a 5 años (perilinguales) con hipoacusia neurosensorial severa a profunda que fueron intervenidos con la colocación del implante coclear. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de pacientes del programa de implante coclear del Hospital Militar Central y el Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael. Se incluyeron pacientes prelinguales y perilinguales a los cuales se les realizó seguimiento del rendimiento auditivo con las pruebas de IT-MAIS y otthingham durante 3, 6 y 12 meses posimplante durante los años 2001 a 2008. Resultados: La población blanco fueron 84 pacientes de los cuales 53 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 13 fueron prelinguales y 40 en proceso de adquisición del lenguaje o perilinguales, las dos pruebas alcanzaron un valor estadísticamente significativo con p menor de 0.05, a favor del grupo de pacientes prelinguales, es decir, que la intervención con el implante coclear en los pacientes prelinguales tiene mejor resultado que en los pacientes perilinguales. Conclusión: los pacientes prelinguales con implante coclear tienen mejor rendimiento auditivo que los pacientes perilinguales al año de seguimiento.

Objectives: To get to know and compare the evolution of auditory performance of children younger tan 2 years old (prelingual) and children between two and five years old (perilingual) with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss that were implanted with a cochlear implant. Material and Methods: A descriptive study of patients that are part of the cochlear implant program at Hospital Militar central and at Hospital Universitario Clínica San Rafael. Prelingual and perilingual patients were included for follow - up of the auditory performance with the following tests IT-MAIS and Nottingham for 3, 6 and 12 months after the implant from 2001 to 2008. Results: The target population was 84 patients out of which 53 patients complied with the inclusion criteria, 13 of which were prelingual and 40 were in the process of acquiring the language or perilingual. Both tests reached a statistically significant value with p lower than 0.05, in favor of the prelingual group of patients. That is, the surgery with a cochlear implant has a better result in prelingual patients than it does in perilingual patients. Conclusion: perilingual patients with cochlear implants have a better auditory performance than perilingual patients after a follow-up of a year.